Colymbetes densus
LeConte, 1859
Colymbetes densus is a predaceous diving beetle ( Dytiscidae) found in North America. The was described by LeConte in 1859 and includes two recognized : C. d. densus and C. d. inaequalis. As a member of the Colymbetes, it belongs to a group of medium to large diving beetles adapted to aquatic .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Colymbetes densus: //koˈlɪmbɛtiːz ˈdɛnsʊs//
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Identification
Colymbetes are medium to large diving beetles with streamlined, oval bodies. Identification to species level within the requires examination of male genitalia and other subtle morphological features. The two of C. densus (densus and inaequalis) are distinguished by minor structural differences, originally described by Horn in 1871 for the latter.
Images
Habitat
Aquatic ; specific microhabitat preferences for this are not well documented in available sources.
Distribution
North America. Distribution records indicate presence across the continent, though precise range boundaries are not detailed in available sources.
Diet
Predatory, as characteristic of the Dytiscidae. Specific prey items for this have not been documented in available sources.
Life Cycle
Complete (, larva, pupa, ) typical of Coleoptera. Larvae are aquatic and predatory. Specific details for this are not documented in available sources.
Behavior
Aquatic diving using hind legs modified as paddles. and larvae are active . Specific behavioral observations for C. densus are not recorded in available sources.
Ecological Role
in freshwater aquatic . As with other dytiscids, likely contributes to regulation of and small vertebrate in aquatic .
Similar Taxa
- Other Colymbetes speciesRequire careful examination of male genitalia and elytral for differentiation; C. densus specifically distinguished by the subspecific forms densus and inaequalis
- Other Dytiscidae generaColymbetes can be separated from related by combinations of pronotal and prosternal characters, as well as male genitalic structure
More Details
Subspecies
Two recognized: Colymbetes densus densus LeConte, 1859 (nominate form) and Colymbetes densus inaequalis Horn, 1871
Taxonomic note
The Colymbetes is part of the Colymbetinae, tribe Colymbetini, and includes approximately 95 globally according to Diving Beetles of the World (Miller & Bergsten, 2016)